Leoila Hayes Ray was born February 28, 1936, in Walnut Lake, Mississippi. She was the second of ten children. Born to the late Columbus Hayes Sr. and Bessie Lee Hayes. She attended Geeter High School. She worked diligently at Ely & Walker and retired from William Sonoma as a Supervisor. On April 29, 1955, Leoila was united in holy matrimony to Charles Ray Sr. They remained united for 68 years. She was baptized in the name of Jesus and received the Holy Ghost at Apostolic Faith Temple (Abundant Grace) under the leadership of the late Bishop Gary Hunt, where she served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, and usher board. Later, she a faithful member of the Greater Memphis Pentecostal Assembly where she was a member of Woven Women Ministry and the Motherβs Board until she was called home by the Lord. She had a spirit of serving others as a caretaker for her late mother and aunt. She and her husband provided a warm home for five foster children. She loved baking desserts, singing, and praising the Lord. Most importantly, she loved to spend time and talk with family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Columbus Hayes Sr. and Bessie Lee Hayes; five brothers Winston (Sonny) Hayes, Columbus Hayes Jr., Precious Hayes, James Edward Hayes, David Henry Williams; two sisters Hattie Pearl Mangum, Rosie Lee Taylor. She passed away peacefully in the late evening on Sunday May 07, 2023. Leolia leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband Charles Ray Sr.; seven children Angela Burton (Reginald), Charlene Coulter, Alvin Ray (Carla), Charles Ray Jr. (Regina) , Carl Ray (Janice), Carol Richardson (Kim), and Dr. Joris M. Ray; stepdaughter Bertha Hardaway (Leory); fourteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren, four siblings Charles Hayes Sr., Rubystein Washington, Melvin Hayes , Charles Wilkins; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. The Visitation will be held on Friday May 12, 2023, from 5PM until 7:00PM at the Greater Memphis Pentecostal Church located at 8941 E Shelby Dr., Memphis, Tennessee. Funeral service will be held on Saturday May 13, 2023 at Noon at the Greater Memphis Pentecostal Church located at 8941 E Shelby Dr. Memphis, Tennessee. Interment will follow the service at the New Park Cemetery 4536 Horn Lake Road.
LUCIUS JOHNSON sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Leoila Hayes Ray - May 12, 2023
THE JOHNSON FAMILY SEND OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO OUR DEAR FRIENDS THE RAY FAMILY. MAY THE LORD CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER YOU IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME. WE LOVE YOU ALL
Bonnie Chambers sent Serene Lily Basket for Leoila Hayes Ray - May 12, 2023
May God Bless You with Peace during your time of bereavement. With love and prayers, Bishop James and Dr. Phyllis Rodges and the Jonesville Baptist Church Family!
Connie Meneese sent Mixed Spray for Leoila Hayes Ray - May 11, 2023
Thanks for the memories! Clemmie Ray Tate, Ethel Ray Quinn and Connie Ray Meneese Your Sisters-in-law
Mario Johnson sent Lily and Rose Tribute Spray for Leoila Hayes Ray - May 10, 2023
We love your family so much and are so sorry for your loss. May the Lord keep you and give you peace beyond all understanding
Dr. Mario and Tonya Johnson
Nickki Desarzant sent Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for Leoila Hayes Ray - May 10, 2023
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May God comfort and grant peace at this time.
Love, The DeSarzant Family & Earlean Armour
Our heartfelt condolences to Alvin, Carla and Ray family. May all the beautiful memories give you comfort. We will continue praying for the family
Love Randy & Shari Hopson
Our prayers are with our dear friends the Ray family. Kathy & Lucius
Condolences to you and your Family ππΎππΎππΎ
Sorry for the loss of your love one. I pray that God will comfort and keep you doing this time.
My heartfelt condolences to the family. Praying for you all daily. May God bless and keep you.
My Condolences to the Ray Family. Trena Wiseman
Growing up in the church, I have such fond memories of Sister Leoila Ray and the whole Ray family! Our thoughts and prayers go out Alvin,Carla and all of the Ray family! God has called you Home! May you Rest In Peace in Heaven! ππ½ Robert Hopson/Andrea. Miami, Florida
My condolences to the Ray Family.
Mrs Ray was a patient of mine . I really enjoyed working with her . Sending my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to her family
Condolences to the Ray family.
Beautiful strong woman of God,loved by all.
My deepest sympathies
My deepest condolences
Peace and blessings be upon the family.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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